A University of Dundee scholar has been working on a wonderful tool that aims to evoke the emotional connection between children with autism and their parents. While we've seen novelties like the My Keepon in the past, any addition to the cause is always a pleasant one, and the Passive Play's no exception. The concept comes in the form of an interactive toy cube for the kid (pictured above), which pairs up with an iOS app and allows the parent to see any interaction the little one is having with the device. Passive Play's creator, Tom Kirkman, says his inspiration comes from "wanting to learn more about autism," and in case you happen to be in the UK, he'll be showing off the project at Dundee University later this month. For all those details, be sure to check out the PR after the break.

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A student at the University of Dundee has designed an innovative concept that looks at how autistic children can interact and connect with their parents through play.

'Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with, and relates to, other people. It also affects how they make sense of the world around them.' (The National Autism Society)

Parents with child that are affect by autism can often feel isolated from their child and this leads to a breakdown in the physical and emotional connection the parent would normally experience from their child.'

PASSIVE PLAY

Passive Play is a vision that explores the complex developmental disability, Autism. Specifically it aims to evoke the emotional connection that a parent may have lost with their child during the preliminary stages of the disorder. Passive play is a conceptual platform that consists of an interactive toy cube for the child, and a iOS application for the parent. When the child makes contact with the sensory object, they are unconsciously engaging with their parent through a mobile device thus illuminating their interests and learning. This helps the parent to feel more connected to their child.

This project draws inspiration from wanting to learn more about Autism. Tom, a father himself, feels that Autism in children is definitely something that parents worry about as their child grows up. This project has given Tom the opportunity to mix his skills as an interaction designer and combine them with the passion to push himself and experience a side of design that he had not yet explored.

Digital Interaction Design at Dundee is all about being more creative and sensitive about how digital technology will affect our lives. Today this doesn't just mean computers of course - digital technology is almost everywhere! It's about designing things that don't just look beautiful, but also behave beautifully. It's about understanding users' needs and desires and developing good technical knowledge to make it all happen. Our students are gaining an international reputation for work that combines design, people and technology. This is possible because of an equal partnership between Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, and the School of Computing - both internationally renowned - making for a very special relationship that has led to this pioneering course.